Combination playmat and backpack

ABSTRACT

A combination playmat and backpack that is constructed to provide a user with a first configuration and a second configuration wherein the first configuration provides a playmat for changing or entertaining an infant and the second configuration is utilized to provide a bag or backpack. The backpack includes a body that is planar in manner having two longitudinal seams dividing the body into a center section and two lateral sections. The body is operable to be foldable wherein the opposing lateral sections fold inward towards the center section and subsequently the body is folded in half to create a transport bag. The longitudinal seams have fasteners on a portion thereof to secure the body in its second configuration while creating an aperture in the lower portion of the body that is operable to carry larger objects.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to backpacks, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a backpack that is unfoldable into a configuration so as to provide a play mat, a blanket and/or a changing pad. Further the backpack of the present invention includes multiple compartments and can be configured to carry larger objects such as but not limited to a yoga mat.

BACKGROUND

When traveling with infants, caretakers and parents must bring with them the necessary provisions needed to properly care for the infant. These items can include but are not limited to formula, cleaning wipes, diapers and many other items. All of the aforementioned typically requires a large bag in order to transport. Existing technology in the field provides bags that have multiple compartments and some employ hooks and similar items so as to assist in the transportation of desired items. Use of water resistant material is known so as to inhibit damage to the interior of the bag.

One problem with the existing technology is the inability to provide other desired elements such as but not limited to a surface for changing the diaper on an infant. While some bags have room to carry a blanket or similar item, these are bulky and take up room needed in the bag for other items. It is often desirable for a caretaker to place the infant on a clean surface and many do not wish to utilize a surface that has been utilized by others. Additionally, small infants often need a small area on which to lie for play. Again this requires the carrying of another item and existing technology does not integrate this into a bag.

A further problem is that many bags are designed to be carried by hand, and can get unwieldy in both weight and size when fully loaded with the above items.

It is intended within the scope of the present invention to provide a combination playmat and backpack that is configured to provide transportation of necessary items for child care, such as diaper changing, and further be transitioned between configurations wherein the configurations provide features such as but not limited to a play mat, a blanket and/or a changing pad.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a combination playmat and backpack that is configured to provide alternate features such as but not limited to a play mat, a blanket and/or a changing pad wherein the present invention includes a body manufactured from a foldable material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a backpack that is operable to provide carrying of items as well as provide alternate features wherein the body in its first position is planar in manner and includes a first surface and a second surface having a cushion therebetween that are manufactured from different materials.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a combination playmat and backpack that is configured to provide alternate features such as but not limited to a play mat, a blanket and/or a changing pad wherein the body further includes a pair of center longitudinal seams.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a backpack that is operable to provide carrying of items as well as provide alternate features wherein the body includes a first lateral section and a second lateral section wherein the first lateral section and second lateral section are foldable inwards towards the pair of center longitudinal seams.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a combination playmat and backpack that is configured to provide alternate features such as but not limited to a play mat, a blanket and/or a changing pad wherein the body is foldable wherein opposing outer edges are positioned proximate each other and where the opposing outer edges are configured with handle members.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a backpack that is operable to provide carrying of items as well as provide alternate features wherein the second surface of the body further includes hooks and similar elements to releasably secure toys and other thereto.

Another object of the present invention is to a provide a combination playmat and backpack that is configured to provide alternate features such as but not limited to a play mat, a blanket and/or a changing pad wherein in a carrying position the opposing lateral sides are secured with zippers wherein the zippers are present only on the upper portion of the opposing lateral sides.

An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a backpack that is operable to provide carrying of items as well as provide alternate features wherein in a carrying position an aperture is present on each side of the bag on the opposing lateral sides allowing for a large item to be passed therethrough.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination playmat and backpack which is convertible between a hand-carried configuration and a backpack configuration by removably securing one of the handles to the lower part of the body.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the present invention in a bag configuration; and

FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention with the opposing lateral section folded inward towards the center; and

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention in its playmat configuration having the second surface facing upwards; and

FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention in its playmat configuration having the first surface facing upwards;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention in its playmat configuration having the second surface facing upwards and having toys secured thereto; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of an embodiment of the backpack configuration;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of FIG. 8 with the handle in a secured position; and

FIG. 10 is a front view of FIG. 8 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a combination playmat and backpack 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Now referring in particular to the Figures submitted as a part hereof, the combination playmat and backpack 100 includes a body 10 wherein the body 10 is manufactured from a soft foldable material such as but not limited to nylon or cotton. The body 10 includes a first side 11 and a second side 12 having a cushion layer therebetween. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first side 11 will have an outer covering that is different than that of the second side. By way of example but not limitation, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the first side 11 has a covering that is manufactured from a soft comfortable material suitable for laying an infant thereon. The preferred embodiment will utilize a water resistant material for the second side 12 covering so the surface can be used for laying on damp grass or be utilized to change an infants diaper and as such the covering on the second side 12 will not absorb any moisture. The body 10 includes opposing lateral edges 13,14 and opposing outer edges 15, 16. The body 10 is square in shape in its preferred embodiment but it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be provided in alternate shapes and is desired to be utilized by way of example but not limitation as a play mat, a blanket and/or a changing pad.

The body 10 includes a pair of longitudinal seams 20,21 extending intermediate the opposing outer edges 15,16. The pair of longitudinal seams 20,21 function to divide the body 10 into a center section 25, a first lateral section 26 and a second lateral section 27. The first lateral section 26 and second lateral section 27 are foldable between a first position and a second position. In their first position, the first lateral section 26 and second lateral section 27 are extended outward from the center section 25 as illustrated herein in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In their second position, the first lateral section 26 and second lateral section 27 are folded inwards towards the center section 25 so as to be superposed thereon as illustrated herein in FIG. 2 . The aforementioned is executed when transitioning the backpack 100 from its first configuration operable to be a play mat, a blanket and/or a changing pad to its second configuration that is operable to be a transport bag. Secured to the opposing lateral edges 13,14 and opposing outer edges 15,16 are loop members 30. Loop members 30 are secured utilizing suitable techniques and are configured to have exemplary toys 99 or other similar items releasably secured thereto for engagement by an infant when the backpack 100 is in its first configuration and the first side 11 is facing upwards. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the loop members 30 can remain present with toys 99 secured thereto in any configuration of the backpack 100. Furthermore, it is contemplated within the present invention that any number of loop members can be present. Fasteners 37 are present on the opposing lateral edges 13,14 and are operable to maintain the first lateral section 26 and second lateral section 27 in a folded position. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the fasteners 37 could be any type of conventional fastener such as but not limited to buttons or snaps.

Handle members 35,36 are secured to the body 10 proximate the opposing outer edges 15,16. The handle members 35,36 are manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to nylon and are operable to be utilized when the backpack 100 is in its second configuration. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the handle members 35,36 could be provided in alternate sizes and quantities. Secured along a portion of the pair of longitudinal seams 20,21 are fasteners 40. Fasteners 40 are provided so as to releasably secure the backpack 100 in its second configuration wherein as discussed herein is operable to function as a bag or backpack. The fasteners 40 are provided on only a portion of the pair of longitudinal seams 20,21 so as to create aperture 50 when the backpack 100 is in its second configuration. The aperture 50 is present on both opposing lateral edges 13,14 as is illustrated herein in FIG. 7 so as to allow an article 98 to be journaled completely from one opposing lateral edge to the other lateral edge in order to accommodate the carrying thereof. In a preferred embodiment the fasteners 40 are zippers but it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternate conventional fasteners could be utilized.

Referring in particular to FIG. 6 , the backpack 100 includes an outer compartment 60 that is integrated into the body 10 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The outer compartment 60 includes an interior volume (not particularly illustrated herein) that is configured to retain various objects therein. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the outer compartment 60 could be provided in alternate sizes and the backpack 100 could have more than one outer compartment.

Referring in particular to FIG. 7 submitted herewith, the backpack 100 includes inner compartments 80 subsequent being placed in its second configuration. The inner compartments 80 are formed ensuing the body 10 being folded in half such that the handle members 35, 36 are adjacent each other. The inner compartments 80 are formed from the first lateral section 26 and second lateral section 27 being folded over the center section 25 and ensuingly having the body 10 folded in half as shown in FIG. 7 . The inner compartments 80 provide sufficient interior volume so as to accommodate various items that may be needed for an infant such as but not limited to items needed for diaper changing and toys. The inner compartments 80 are only present during the second configuration of the backpack 100. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the backpack 100 could have a removable container placed within the inner compartments 80.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 , first handle member 35 is made adjustable in length via a clasp or buckle 60 and loop 62. At its shortest length, first handle member 35 cooperates with second handle member 36 to allow the backpack 100 to be hand carried via the handle members 35, 36, similarly to a purse or tote bag. At the greatest length, first handle member 35 may be two to three times the shortest length, enabling first handle member 35 to be adapted to enable backpack 100 to be carried on the user's back.

To enable this adaptation, first handle member 35 is passed through a handle fastener 65. In an embodiment, handle fastener 65 is a segment of fabric (similar to that used in backpack 100) located at the bottom of backpack 100, which detachably secures to itself via snaps or hook-and-loop or equivalent fasteners. The handle fastener 65 is operative to secure the extended length first handle member 35 in a position at the bottom of the backpack 100 such that first handle member 35 forms two loops 67, 68, which then act as shoulder straps to hold backpack 100 on the user's back. Handle fastener 65 may alternatively be secureable to outer pocket 60, where present.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination playmat and backpack comprising: a body, said body having a first side and a second side, said body having an outer peripheral edge, said body being planar in manner, said body having a pair of opposing lateral edges, said body having a pair of opposing outer edges, said body having a pair of longitudinal seams extending intermediate said pair of outer edges, said pair of longitudinal seams creating a center section, a first lateral section and a second lateral section, said body being movable between a first configuration and a second configuration; a first and a second handle member, the first handle member and second handle member each being secured to one of said pair of outer edges, said first handle member being adjustable in length; a first fastener and a second fastener, said first fastener and said second fastener being secured to a portion of said pair of longitudinal seams, said first fastener and said second fastener configured to secure said opposing lateral edges in said second configuration of said body to form said backpack with said first side on an interior of said backpack and said second side on an exterior of said backpack; a handle fastener, said handle fastener formed as a recloseable loop secured to said second side of said body and positioned opposite to said outer edges in said second configuration, said handle fastener operative to removably secure said first handle member to enable said backpack to be carried via said first handle member on a user's back; and wherein said first side and said second side of said body have coverings of different materials.
 2. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 1, wherein in said first configuration said first lateral section and said second lateral section are folded outwards from said center section.
 3. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 2, wherein in said second configuration said first lateral section and said second lateral section are folded inwards so as to be superposed said center section.
 4. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 3, and further including a first inner compartment, said first inner compartment being present when said body is in said second configuration, said first inner compartment being formed by a portion of said first lateral section and said second lateral section being adjacent to a portion of said center section.
 5. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 4, and further including an aperture, said aperture being formed in said pair of opposing lateral edges when said body is in said second configuration, said aperture allowing an object to be journaled therethrough so as to extend beyond from both opposing lateral edges.
 6. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 5, wherein said first side of said body is covered in a water resistant material.
 7. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 6, and further including an outer compartment, said outer compartment being present on said second side of said body and accessible in said second configuration of said body.
 8. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 7, and further including a plurality of loop members, said plurality of loop members being secured to said outer peripheral edge of said body on said first side of said body.
 9. A combination playmat and backpack that is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration so as to provide a surface area for changing a diaper on an infant or a play area and in the second configuration be configured to provide storage of desired items wherein the backpack comprises: a body, said body being planar in manner, said body having a first side and a second side, said body having an outer peripheral edge, said body having a pair of opposing lateral edges, said body having a pair of opposing outer edges being perpendicular to said pair of opposing lateral edges, said body having a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam, said first longitudinal seam and said second longitudinal seam extending intermediate said pair of opposing outer edges, said first longitudinal seam and said second longitudinal seam operable to divide said body into a center section, a first lateral section and a second lateral section, said first lateral section and said second lateral section being on opposing sides of said center section, said first lateral section and said second lateral section being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in said first position said first lateral section and said second lateral section extend outward from said center section to create a planar manner for said body to place in the first configuration thereof; a first fastener and a second fastener, said first fastener being secured to a portion of said one of said opposing lateral edges, said second fastener being secured to a portion of an opposite opposing lateral edge, said first fastener and said second fastener extending from said opposing outer edges inwards towards a midpoint of said body, said first fastener and said second fastener creating an aperture in said opposing lateral edges when said body is in said second configuration, wherein said aperture is configured to have an object journaled therethrough and extend outward from the opposing lateral edges; a first and a second handle member, the first handle member and second handle member each being secured to one of said pair of outer edges, said first handle member being adjustable in length; a handle fastener, said handle fastener formed as a recloseable loop secured to said second side of said body and positioned opposite to said outer edges in said second configuration, said handle fastener operative to removably secure said first handle member to enable said backpack to be carried via said first handle member on a user's back; and a plurality of loop members, said plurality of loop members being secured to said first side of said body proximate said outer peripheral edge, wherein the combination playmat and backpack is moveable between a first configuration as a playmant so as to provide a surface area for changing a diaper on an infant or as a play area and a second configuration as a backpack to provide storage of desired items.
 10. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 9, and further including a first inner compartment, said first inner compartment being present when said body is in said second configuration, said first inner compartment being formed by a portion of said first lateral section and said second lateral section being adjacent to a portion of said center section.
 11. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 10, wherein in said second configuration said first lateral section and said second lateral section are folded inwards and secured to each other so as to be superposed on said center section and said body has been folded in half on itself.
 12. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 11, wherein said first side of said body is covered in a water resistant material.
 13. The combination playmat and backpack as recited in claim 7, wherein the handle fastener is removably securable to the outer compartment. 